Another Year... :) Shangy!
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Through no fault of my own we suddenly became an
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you will have to confirm that you are an adult
when you go here. I still have no idea how to change
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================
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================
>-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :)
This super hot tottie comes from a forward from our friend
Sharon. Sure to tickle your funny bone. Turn up the sound
and give it time to load...
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Longleat's Monkey Shines!
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/monkeyshines.html
---
...What a hoot! Thanks Sharon!
===========================================================
>-->From HeartWarmers:
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>I WANT TO BE A MOUNTAIN
by Michael Smith
I looked up at the mountains in the distance. They were white
now. Not long ago, they were brown.
In the time I've lived in Idaho, I've had the opportunity to watch
the cycle of seasons make their change on those mountains I never tire
of seeing.
My first sight of them came in September of 2008. The sides of the
mountains were painted green with the leaves of sage brush. Near the
top were pines. The days moved on. The weather cooled and the rain
didn't fall. The leaves browned. The mountain changed.
Fall gave way to winter. I stood in the rain and watched the top
of the mountains turn a blinding white. Each week the snow crept
further down the slopes and long before the first snows fell in the
valley, the mountains were covered with fresh powder. The sun set, the
lights on the ski slopes lit the side of the mountains a dazzling
white. I'm not a skier, but I imagined the excitement of speeding down
the side of those mountains -- free, fast, and thrilled.
Winter turned to spring. The snow in the valley disappeared and
made its retreat up the slopes until it was gone once again. The weeks
passed, the green in the valley flowed steadily up the slopes like a
reversed waterfall. The mountains were as I first saw them, green and
lush.
On New Years Eve, the mountains were white again. On New Years Day
they were peppered with the dark dots of the distance skiers as they
daringly fall down their slopes.
I saw so many changes, but were they changes? The mountains are
never changing. Like people, they only changed coats to fit the
weather. They didn't allow outside influences to alter what lie beneath
their coats of changing colors. They were always the same.
You can have faith in them.
I'm in my third season of life. A little snow has gathered at my
peak. Some of the sage brush is gone all together. My clothing has
changed to fit my seasons. Next year and all my years to follow, I
want to be as constant as a mountain.
Although my looks change, I want to be reliable. My body will
change coats many times, but when my day is done, I want people to say,
"No matter what the seasons of life brought, he never changed inside.
He never allowed the pressures of the seasons or the weathers of life
to change what he was underneath. He was a mountain you could rely on
to watch over those who looked up to him."
For this New Year and all the New Years that I have left, whether
it is at my job, at home, or with friends and family, I want to be a
mountain -- reliable.
-- Michael T. Smith
__________________________________________________
You can sign up to get Michael's stories directly by clicking here:
To read more of Michael's stories, you can go here:
===========================================================
>-->From Our Friend PeggyT :)
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>SOMETHING DIFFERENT AT THE RAINBOW BRIDGE"
Unlike most days at the Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray.
All the recent arrivals at the Bridge did not know what to think, as
they had never seen such a day. But the animals who had been waiting
longer for their beloved people to accompany them across the Bridge
knew what was happening, and they began to gather at the pathway
leading to the Bridge. Soon an elderly dog came into view, head hung
low and tail dragging. He approached slowly, and though he showed no
sign of injury or illness, he was in great emotional pain. Unlike the
animals gathered along the pathway, he had not been restored to youth
and vigor upon arriving at the Bridge. He felt out of place, and wanted
only to cross over and find happiness.
But as he approached the Bridge, his way was barred by an angel, who
apologized and explained that the tired and broken-spirited old dog
could not cross over. Only those animals accompanied by their people
were allowed to cross the Bridge. Having nobody, and with nowhere else
to turn, the dog trudged into the field in front of the Bridge.
There he found others like himself, elderly or infirm, sad and
discouraged. Unlike the other animals waiting to cross the Bridge,
these animals were not running or playing. They simply were lying in
the grass, staring forlornly at the pathway across the Rainbow Bridge.
The old dog took his place among them, watching the pathway and
waiting, yet not knowing what he was actually waiting for. One of the
newer dogs at the Bridge asked a cat who had been there longer to
explain what was happening. The cat replied, "Those poor animals were
abandoned, turned away, or left at rescue places, but never found a
home on earth. They all passed on with only the love of a rescuer to
comfort them. Because they had no people to love them, they have nobody
to escort them across the Rainbow Bridge."
The dog asked the cat, "So what will happen to those animals?" Before
the cat could answer, the clouds began to part and the cold turned to
bright sunshine. The cat replied, "Watch, and you will see."
In the distance was a single person, and as she approached the Bridge
the old, infirm and sad animals in the field were bathed in a golden
light. They were all at once made young and healthy, and stood to see
what their fate would be. The animals who had previously gathered at
the pathway bowed their heads as the person approached.
At each bowed head, the person offered a scratch or hug. One by one,
the now youthful and healthy animals from the field fell into line
behind the person. Together, they walked across the Rainbow Bridge to a
future of happiness and unquestioned love. The dog asked the cat, "What
just happened?"
The cat responded, "That was a rescuer."
The animals gathered along the pathway bowing in respect were those who
had found their forever homes because of rescuers. They will cross over
when their people arrive at the Bridge. The arrival here of a rescuer
is a great and solemn event, and as a tribute they are permitted to
perform one final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort all those
poor animals they couldn't place on earth across the Rainbow Bridge and
into Heaven."
The dog thought for a moment, then said, "I like rescuers." The cat
smiled and replied, "So does heaven, my friend. So does heaven."
---
,,,Nice thoughts. Thanks PeggyT!
==============================================================
>-->From Bunni :)
,-----.
W/,-. ,-.\W
()>a aStory Time - What goes around comes around.... So True...
The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to
the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked Like she had
never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted
to make fun of him, like so many others had done before
"Leave me alone," he growled..
To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her
even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.
"Are you hungry?" she asked.
"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the
president. Now go away."
The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle
hand under his arm.
"What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me
alone.
Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he
asked...
"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get
this man to his feet. Will you help me?"
The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture
around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"
"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him
something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."
"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go
in there!"
Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up.
"Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."
"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow
it.."
Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got
Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It
was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had
already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager
strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table.
"What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this. Is this
man in trouble?"
"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.
"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that
here is bad for business."
Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if
you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."
The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you
familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the
street?"
"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their
weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."
"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these
weekly meetings?"
"What business is that of yours?"
I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."
"Oh."
The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference.." She
glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to
join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"
"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."
"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"
"Yes, ma'am That would be very nice."
The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for
you right away, officer."
The officer watched him walk away..
"You certainly put him in his place," he said.
"That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all
this."
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest She
stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?"
Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes "I think so -- I
mean you do look familiar."
"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out
more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through
that very door, cold and hungry.
"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such
a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.
"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city
looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to
my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the
streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving.
I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get
something to eat."
Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the
serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for
something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."
"I know", the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef
sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to
go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would
get into trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of
my food in the cash register I knew then that everything would be all
right."
"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.
"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I
started my own business, that, with the help of God, prospered."
She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.
"When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons.
He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and
I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She
smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little
advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until
you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always
opened to you."
There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you? "
he said.
"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank
Jesus... He led me to you."
Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance
before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help,
officer," she said.
"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle
today, something that I will never forget. And...And thank you for
the coffee."
If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing. If you have
missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.
But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you
have missed everything in the world.
Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You Always. And don't forget that
when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will
be returned to you.
God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small
He can curl up into your heart.
---
...Awww, beautiful! Thanks Bunni!
-<>-
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>PRAYER FOR MOTH3ERS
Heavenly Father,
You have given each person the precious gift of having a mother.
Throughout the ages, mothers have been the unsung heroes of our lives,
content with little things: a smile, a thank you, a token remembrance.
May all mothers learn from the example set by Jesus’ mother, Mary, our
Mother in Heaven.
Let us always remember our mothers as a treasure which You have given
us, whether she is still here or in heaven.
Pour down Your grace on all mothers today and every day, and help each
one of us to live our lives based on the good example, love and
devotion which we have learned from them. In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen
---
...Amen! Thank you Bunni!
-<>-
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>LIFE IS A MIRACLE
Life is a miracle don't let it slip away,
Open your heart to others, give of yourself each day.
See the beauty in everyone, regardless of where they've been,
Some have a difficult journey and really need a friend.
Share your gifts and talents, listen with your heart.
Do the things you dream about but don't have time to start.
Pick a bouquet of flowers, show someone that you care,
Be gracious and forgiving, for life is never fair.
Hold on to your courage, you may need it down the road,
We all have a cross to bear, it could be a heavy load.
If you practice all these things, wherever you may roam,
You might find both sun and rain, but you'll never feel alone!
~ Author Unknown
---
...Awww, touching! Thanks Bunni!
==============================================================
>-->From Laugh And Lift:
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| ON OR AROUND| |WASTE ONLY | | | | | | |
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-Thomas Augustus Kimberley-
>Stuffed With Junk
(By Ron Hutchcraft, Copyright 2002, Ron Hutchcraft. Used by permission.)
The other day one of our team members shared a discovery she made
during the remodeling of her kitchen. The counter top had been removed,
and as she looked into this little 6"x8" drawer by the sink, she saw
that it was completely stuffed - with "stuff"! She realized that for 24
years she had been sticking things into that drawer - twist ties,
rubber bands ... you know, everything. There were some useful things in
the back, but there were inaccessible because of all the "stuff." Now,
it had been a long time since the drawer had been opened very much -
our friend just crammed things into it and occasionally pulled it open
an inch or two to use something out of it. But looking down on it all
from above, she was surprised to see what was in there. Almost
everything in that drawer could be thrown away - but it was
accumulating for years. And that drawer was much more useful now that
it was emptied out.
I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about
"Stuffed With Junk."
You've got to wonder what God sees when He looks down on the contents
of our life. The "top" is always off as far as His view of us is
concerned. He sees directly into our heart, our motives, our every
thought. And all too often, our life and our heart are cluttered with
"stuff" ... things we've filled our life with that are simply
unnecessary to Him, useless to Him - actually limiting our usefulness
to Him.
Some of us won't realize how useless a lot of our life has been until
it's too late to do anything about it - we'll wait until the Judgment
Seat of Christ. Paul talks about it in 1 Corinthians 3, beginning with
verse 11, our word for today from the Word of God. He says, "No one can
lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus
Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly
stones (that's filling your life with things that will last, that have
eternal significance), wood, hay, or straw (things that are just
"stuff"), his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will
bring it to light ... the fire will test the quality of each man's
work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it
is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only
as one escaping through the flames." You get one life. You can fill it
with things that really matter or with things that really don't. With
things that will last forever or things that will be gone in a moment.
And often what this world stresses as being important is really just
"stuff" - and what Jesus says is important, our world thinks isn't much.
So when the Lord looks down inside your life, is it crammed with a lot
of "stuff" that just doesn't mean much? A lot of time in front of a
television, hours on the Internet, listening to music, talking on the
phone, following sports, pouring yourself into causes and diversions
that won't matter much in eternity at all? It's not that these things
are necessarily bad. The problem is when "stuff" that should be
peripheral becomes central in your life. That's when it's time to
reevaluate your priorities. It's time to see your life through God's
eyes, and clean out what's not useful - the trivial pursuits.
When you do, you become so much more useful to your Lord. And the more
you fall in love with Him, the less you'll be stuffing your hours, your
days, your mind and your heart with "stuff." You'll be about what Jesus
is about. You'll be "seeking first the Kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33)
-<>-
"When God's people allow God's truth to realign them to God's will and
God's standard, then the power of God will be released through them the
same way it was through the first disciples." - Richard Blackaby
.---. .---.
: : o : me want New Year cookie!
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>No Fear in the New Year
(by Chek Phang Hia, from Our Daily Bread 12/30/08)
Hours before 2007 began, some friends of ours in the UK were aboard
their boat, anticipating the arrival of the new year, when a violent
storm struck. But they were able to send us this reassuring note: "John
and Linda are sitting on board the good ship Norna, and happy to say
that we are secure. . . . The wind is storm force ten [48-55 knots].
Hope that all of you have a happy and prosperous new year."
, ,
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| B |/| |
| I | | |
| B | | |
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jgs '---'
Jesus' disciples also encountered a stormy experience. They were on the
Sea of Galilee when a windstorm whipped up (Mark 6:48). The storm was
so violent that despite being experienced fishermen who knew the lake
well, they feared for their lives. But Jesus walked out to them and
saved them.
No one can predict with certainty how stormy the new year will be. We
do know, though, that everyone will face storms. But we who have Jesus
have our future securely moored to Him. Jesus, who did not fail us in
the past, will not fail us in the future.
Lewis Edgar Jones aptly described our situation in his old hymn:
I've anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I'll brave;
I've anchored in Jesus, I'll fear no wind or wave.
I've anchored in Jesus, for He hath power to save;
I've anchored to the Rock of Ages!
How will you fare in the storms of the new year? If you're anchored in
Jesus, you have nothing to fear.
Faith in Christ will keep us steady in the stormy sea of change.
-<>-
__ __
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.~ ^ / \ ^ ~. HI!
\-._^ ^| | ^_.-/ I Wnat More Friends!
`\ `-._ \___/ ^_.-' /'
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`~~~~~~~~' `~~~~~~~~~'
>Another Year...
(By Dave Jacobs)
This is a time of reflection and anticipation. Reflection on the year
past, and anticipation of the year to come.
But, probably the most common thing you hear about at the new year is
resolutions...things you hope to change such as health, i.e. diet,
exercise, eat better, spend more time with your family, read more, stop
using your credit card.
Now all this is good and fine, but could I challenge you to make a
different type of new years resolution...spiritual resolutions? such as
read my Bible more, pray more. share my faith more, invite people out
to church more, to fight sinful attitudes and actions more, to talk to
my kids about Jesus more.
Now, Ecc. 5:4,5 says, "When you make a vow to God, do not be late in
paying it, for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow. It is
better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."
Can you relate to that?
See, our problem is not making resolutions, promises, vows... our
problem is following through on them.
Four paths to fulfilling your resolutions:
1.Be realistic
2.Don't be thrown-off by failures - this is a common snag to progress.
Is. 43:18,19 "Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder the
things of the past. Behold, I will do something new..." Phil. 3:13,14
"...but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching
forward to what lies ahead, I press on..."
God is always ready to give us a second chance.
3.Be patient, give it time
4.Be reliant on God to bring about the change. Paul will say in Phil.
3:3 that we are not to, "...put confidence in our flesh, our own
ability..." II Cor. 3:5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to
consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from
God."
Real change is possible only when we come humbly before God and cry out
to Him to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
Conclusion: It's a new year, but the same God...by same I mean:
unchanging, reliable, trustworthy, solid, dependable, faithful,
constant, loyal, etc.
Do you want to know what this "same" God has to say about this "new"
year?
, ,
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jgs '---'
Jer. 29:11-13 "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the
Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a
hope. Then you will call upon Me and come to Me and pray to Me and I
will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search
for Me with all of your heart."
Matt. 28:20 "I am with you always even to the end of the age."
Heb. 13:5 "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Romans 8:39 "...nothing can separate us from the love of God..."
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>-->From CupO'Cheer:
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>HIS PRESENCE
And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and
the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not
(Mal 3:18).
"Good morning," I said to the woman behind the counter as she
asked if she could take my order. "You're a Christian, aren't you?"
"I can see Him in you!" I boldly proclaimed. "Yes, I am," she
replied with a beaming smile. I could literally see the presence of
God in her countenance in the way she related to me and others.
When Moses led the people out of Egypt he had several crisis
moments during those forty years. His greatest crisis was when he
came back from the mountain and discovered the people had made
a golden calf. It was after this he came to a profound conclusion.
"Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do
not send us up from here.' What else will distinguish me and your
people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"
(Ex 33:15,16).
The difference between a Christian in the workplace and a non-
believer should be that the Christian brings the presence of God
with him to work. However, this is not always the case. A
Christian can shut out the presence of God by his behavior.
Like the Israelites who experienced great miracles in their lives
but began to worship idols, we can move away from God. Sin
separates us from God. His presence moves away from us. Moses
realized, he too had to have the presence of God with him to lead
such a people.
The prophet Malachi was saying a day is coming when you'll be
able to recognize a clear difference between the righteous and the
unrighteous. Would your co-workers be able to recognize a
difference in you from others? Ask God to fill you with His
overflowing presence in all you do today.
as seen in Today God is First
-<>-
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>PEACE OR FRUSTRATION
I heard a teaching recently about the spirits that attack Christians,
during the message the minister made a statement that has changed
some things happening in my life - it caused me to see things in a
totally different light.
He said 'frustration is the opposite of peace.' I had never thought
about that - he was talking about a spirit of frustration and how it
would attack a Christian. Most people think that frustration is
simply a part of daily life and endure it or perhaps even allow it
to control them.
Recently I have been extremely busy, with my mind on many
different things. I have found when I am this busy at times little
things will frustrate me. Like things not being done when they are
supposed to be done, or a little four year old wanting to play when
I need to work.
When we allow ourselves to become frustrated many times it
doesn't end well. We may say or do things we will later regret,
we may even make decisions that we wouldn't make if we hadn't
been frustrated, if we had been in peace.
God's word says that He has called us to peace. If we are walking
in frustration, we are not in peace and His is a covenant of peace.
As I thought about how frustration had been affecting my life
lately, I decided to change it as I still believe everything is a choice
and we can respond according to the word, if we so choose. I also
decided to look up frustration in the word of God. I was surprised
to find it in Deuteronomy 28. It turns out that frustration is part of
the curse; it is one definition of vexation. Now, I saw that when I
am frustrated I am allowing myself to walk in the effects of the
curse...that will not happen.
I have found that I can be frustrated at a bunch of little things or
I can pray and ask God to help me and then I can respond in
patience and love and peace. It has taken some discipline but I
have not allowed things to frustrate me any longer. I made myself
STOP and have peace. I made myself STOP and breathe when I
needed to. I made myself slow down and not allow the little things
to get to me.
I have often felt that we settle for far less than what God has
promised us, I also feel that we often tolerate things we have been
redeemed from, things we no longer have to tolerate, frustration
and its effects are one of these things.
Friends, we all...every single day...have an opportunity to be
frustrated and to act on that frustration...we all do. However, we
all have a choice as well; we can choose PEACE or frustration.
I don't know what has been frustrating you today but I do know
that frustration is not from God. Frustration is the opposite of
peace. It is not from God - don't let it have any power over you
from this day on. Choose peace instead.
When little things try to frustrate you...stop...and breathe...and
respond according to the word of God. Don't allow things to
PUSH you or PRESS you, instead stay in peace. It may take
some practice but it is definitely worth it. Frustration is from the
devil...don't tolerate it another day...walk in peace...God's peace.
as seen in This ‘n That from the Heartland
-<>-
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unknown
A Walk With Jesus
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/poems/walk.html
-<>-
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Krogg
>A BOX OF SOCKS
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer
(Matthew 21:22, NIV).
Friend to Friend
My sister loves socks! One day, we were shopping and happened
to walk into a department store where neither one of us could
afford to buy a single thing. We were just passing through, on our
way to find the bargains we could afford. With a sigh and a wistful
look on her face, Betty said, “I wish I could afford to shop in this
store.” When I asked her what she would buy, she immediately
replied with a smile, “Socks! I want a big box of socks. I would
wear a different pair every day.” I could think of several things
I would have liked to buy in that store and socks was not one of
them. I guess it is a matter of perspective. What was important to
her was not important to me.
I sometimes think my prayer requests are insignificant and unim-
pressive to God. After all, He is God. Does He really have the time
or the desire to hear and answer my prayers? Yes! The truth is that
if it is important to me, it is important to God.
Each Christmas, Operation Shoebox collects and sends over eight
million shoeboxes stuffed with small gifts such as candy, school
supplies, small toys, toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo to children
across the world. In Mexico, hundreds of boys and girls gathered
at the church in a small village, excitedly anticipating the arrival of
their precious shoeboxes.
Delightful chaos erupted as bulging shoeboxes, wrapped in
brightly colored paper and ribbon were passed into the small,
eager hands of each child. Wrapping paper was hurriedly ripped
into pieces and tossed aside, a smile spreading across the face of
each child as their long awaited Christmas treasures were revealed.
However, one little boy dissolved into tears as he lifted the lid of
his box and peered inside to see what he had received for
Christmas this year.
One of the Operation Shoebox volunteers spotted the little boy and
hurriedly made his way across the church to see what the problem
could possibly be. With the help of an interpreter, the volunteer
asked the now sobbing little boy, “What is wrong? What is in your
box?” With tears streaming down his face, the little boy said,
“Socks!” The worker instantly understood and assured the little
boy that he could trade his box of socks for another box that might
have crayons, a toy or a piece of candy in it.
Alarm spread across the face of the child as he vigorously shook
his head and quickly jerked the box away from the now somewhat
confused worker. Clutching the shoebox to his chest, the boy
began sobbing out an explanation to the interpreter who listened
for a few moments and then, with tears spilling out of his own
eyes, turned to the volunteer and said, “You won’t believe this!”
Taking a deep, steadying breath, the interpreter explained, “This
little boy has a rare skin condition with which he was born. It
seems to affect his feet more than any other spot on his body. The
doctors have tried various medications and treatments but finally
told the little boy that nothing will work and his feet will never
heal unless he begins wearing cotton socks. His parents cannot
even afford food for this boy; much less provide socks for their
son. So, all year long, he has been praying for socks.”
Socks were at the top of the little boy’s prayer list. As a matter of
fact, they were his list. The mere sight of ordinary cotton socks
brought tears to his eyes as he stared in awe at the priceless gift in
his hands – socks. You see, they were more than just socks. They
were the profound answer from our extraordinary God to a child’s
simple prayer. One unknown and seemingly insignificant boy in
Mexico prayed. God heard him and said “Let me take care of you.”
No matter how small or trivial your prayers may seem, remember
God’s perspective. If it is important to you, it is important to Him.
And He will take care of you.
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for the privilege of coming before You in
prayer. I want prayer to be as natural to me as breathing out and
breathing in. I refuse to believe the lie that my prayers are too
small or unimportant for You to hear. You are my Father. You are
my God and You long to hear my voice. I will bring every prayer
of my heart to You. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Do you have your own “box of socks” for which you are praying?
What is it?
Do you really believe that God will hear and answer your prayer?
Read Hebrews 11:6. How does your faith measure up to the faith
described in this verse?
Today, pray in faith and see what God does!
as seen in Girlfriends in God
-<>-
To SUBSCRIBE: Send an
e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject
line to cheer316@sc.rr.com.
==============================================================
>-->From Archived InspiredBuffalo:
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>The Football Player
Bob Richards, the former pole-vault champion, shares a moving story
about a skinny young boy who loved football with all his heart.
Practice after practice, he eagerly gave everything he had. But
being half the size of the other boys, he got absolutely nowhere. At
all the games, this hopeful athlete sat on the bench and hardly ever
played. This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them
had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the
bench, his father was always in the stands cheering.
He never missed a game. This young man was still the smallest of the
class when he entered high school. His father continued to encourage
him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football
if he didn't want to. But the young man loved football and decided to
hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and
perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior. All through high
school he never missed a practice nor a game but remained a bench-
warmer all four years.
His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of
encouragement for him. When the young man went to college, he decided
to try out for the football team as a "walk-on." Everyone was sure he
could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept
him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul to every
practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the
spirit and hustle they badly needed.
The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he
rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared
his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games.
This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four
years at college, but he never got to play in a game. It was the end
of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice
field shortly before the big playoff game, the coach met him with a
telegram. The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent.
Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning.
Is it all right if I miss practice today?"
The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the
rest of the week off, son. And don't even plan to come back to the
game on Saturday." Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well.
In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent
young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his
football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players
were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon.
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jgs ; (__|| ||__) ;
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"Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the
young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he
wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man
persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in.
"All right," he said. "You can go in."
Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could
not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played
before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop
him. He ran, he passed, blocked, and tackled like a star. His team
began to triumph.
The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid
intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The
fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders.
Such cheering you never heard.
Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and
left the locker room, the coach noticed that this young man was
sitting quietly in the corner all alone The coach came to him and said,
"Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into
you? How did you do it?" He looked at the coach, with tears in his
eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my
dad was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad
came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me
play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!"
Like the athlete's father, God is always there cheering for us. Our
loving God is always reminding us to go on, offering us a
hand, knowing what is best, giving us what we need and not simply
what we want. God has never missed a single game. What a joy to know
that life is meaningful if lived for the Highest. Live for the Creator,
who is watching us in the game of life!
-<>-
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| Heaven's Grocery Store
I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read, "Heaven's Grocery Store".
As I got a little closer the door came open wide,
and when I came to myself I was standing inside.
I saw a host of Angels, they were standing everywhere.
One handed me a blanket and said, "My Child shop with care".
Everything a Christian needs is in that grocery store,
and all you can't carry, come back the next day for more.
First, I got some Patience, Love was in the same row.
Further down was Understanding, needed everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of Wisdom, a bag or two of Faith,
I just couldn't miss the Holy Ghost, it was all over the place.
I stopped to get some Strength and Courage to help me run this race,
but then my blanket was getting full, and I remembered I needed
Grace.
I didn't forget Salvation, which like the others was free,
so I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.
Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill,
for I thought I had everything to do my master's will.
As I went up the aisle, I saw Prayer and had to put it in,
for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.
Peace and Joy were plentiful, they were on the last shelf.
Song and Praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself.
Then I said to the Angel, "How much do I owe"?
The Angel smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."
Again, I politely asked "How much do I really owe?"
The Angel smiled again and said, "My Child, Jesus Paid Your Bill
A Long Time Ago."
Ron DeMarco & Friend
-<>-
>One Minute Can Change A Life
He almost killed somebody, but one min­ute changed his life. The
beautiful story comes from Sherman Rogers' old book, FOREMEN: LEADERS
OR DRIVERS? In his true-life story, Rogers illus­trates the importance
of effective relationships.
During his college years, Rogers spent a summer in an Idaho logging
camp. When the super­intendent had to leave for a few days, he put
Rogers in charge.
"What if the men refuse to follow my or­ders?" Rogers asked. He
thought of Tony, an im­migrant worker who grumbled and growled all
day, giving the other men a hard time.
"Fire them," the superintendent said. Then, as if reading Rogers'
mind, he added, "I suppose you think you are going to fire Tony if
you get the chance. I'd feel badly about that. I have been logging
for 40 years. Tony is the most reliable worker I've ever had. I know
he is a grouch and that he hates everybody and everything. But he
comes in first and leaves last. There has not been an accident for
eight years on the hill where he works."
Rogers took over the next day. He went to Tony and spoke to
him. "Tony, do you know I'm in charge here today?" Tony grunted. "I
was going to fire you the first time we tangled, but I want you to
know I'm not," he told Tony, adding what the superintendent had said.
When he finished, Tony dropped the shovel­­ful of sand he had held and
tears streamed down his face. "Why he no tell me dat eight years
ago?"
That day Tony worked harder than ever be­fore -- and he smiled! He
later said to Rogers, "I told Maria you first foreman in deese
country who ever say, 'Good work, Tony,' and it make Maria feel like
Christmas."
Rogers went back to school after that sum­mer. Twelve years later he
met Tony again. He was superintendent for railroad construction for
one of the largest logging companies in the West. Rogers asked him
how he came to Califor­nia and happened to have such success.
Tony replied, "If it not be for the one mi­nute you talk to me back in
Idaho, I keel some­body someday. One minute, she change my whole
life."
Effective managers know the importance of taking a moment to point
out what a worker is doing well. But what a difference a minute of af­
firmation can make in any relationship!
One minute. Have you got one minute to thank someone? A minute to
tell someone what you sincerely like or appre­ci­ate about her? A
minute to elaborate on some­thing he did well? One minute. It can make
a difference for a lifetime.
-<>-
>Links for Your Enjoyment
Bad Luck
http://www.buffaloschips.com/fasd.htm
Boogie Woogie
http://www.buffaloschips.com/fsdjlk.htm
Ford Police Chase
http://www.buffaloschips.com/sdfds.htm
Man Cheats DEA
http://www.buffaloschips.com/asgs.htm
Missile
http://www.buffaloschips.com/gkhjg.htm
Lucha
http://www.buffaloschips.com/gshkksj.htm
Luckiest Man On The Planet
http://www.buffaloschips.com/gshshjs.htm
Lucky 1
http://www.buffaloschips.com/gshsjs.htm
Expensive Hotels!
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ehotels.html
Wild Ones!
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wildones.html
Mule Vs Lion!
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mulelion.html
Amazing Cop Cars 2
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/copcars2.html
Building Advertising Art!
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/buildingads.html
Thoughts For Today
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thoughts.html
Great White Shark
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/greatwhite.html
Niagra Falls Frozen
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/niagarafalls.html
Look Who's taking Too!
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/talking2.html
One Texas Morning
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/days.html
Christ's Life
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesuslife.html
Rose Petals
http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/poems/rose.html
If you are looking to join any of our other fine e-zines visit
www.buffaloschips.com
==============================================================
>-->From SermondFodder:
>Twin Cities?
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unknown
A little girl from Minneapolis came home from Sunday school with
a frown on her face. "I'm not going back there anymore,"
she announced with finality.
"I don't like the Bible they keep teaching us."
"Why not?" asked her astonished mother.
"Because," said the little girl, "that Bible is always talking
about St. Paul, and it never once mentions Minneapolis."
This regular dose of Christian Humor brought your way by The Sermon
Fodder list. To subscribe send an email to sermon_fodder-
subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
===================================================
>The Silent Prayer
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Max: God, I want to do great things.
God: You do?
Max: You bet! I want to teach millions! I want to fill the Rose Bowl!
I want all of the world to know your saving power! I dream of the day-
God: That's great, Max. In fact, I can use you today after church.
Max: Super! How about some radio and TV work or … or … or an
engagement to speak to Congress?
God: Well, that's not exactly what I had in mind. See that fellow
sitting next to you?
Max: Yes.
God: He needs a ride home.
Max (surprised): What?
God: He needs a ride home. And while you're at it, one of the older
ladies sitting near you is worried about getting a refrigerator moved.
Why don't you drop by this afternoon and-
Max (pleading): But, God, what about the world?
God (smiling): Think about it.
>From Shaped by God Copyright 1985, Max Lucado
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>Does It Ever Stop?
Is there a magic cut off period when offspring become accountable for
their own actions? Is there a wonderful moment when parents can
become detached spectators in the lives of their children and
shrug, "It's their life," and feel nothing?
When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital corridor waiting for
doctors to put a few stitches in my son's head. I asked, "When do you
stop worrying?" The nurse said, "When they get out of the accident
stage. "My mother just smiled faintly and said nothing.
When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little chair in a classroom and
heard how one of my children talked incessantly, disrupted the class,
and was headed for a career making license plates. As if to read my
mind, a teacher said, "Don't worry, they all go through this stage
and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them." My mother just
smiled faintly and said nothing.
When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime waiting for the phone to
ring, the cars to come home, the front door to open. A friend
said, "They're trying to find themselves. Don't worry, in a few
years, you can stop worrying. They'll be adults." My mother just
smiled faintly and said nothing.
By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being vulnerable. I was
still worrying over my children, but there was a new wrinkle. There
was nothing I could do about it. My mother just smiled faintly and
said nothing. I continued to anguish over their failures, be
tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in their
disappointments.
My friends said that when my kids got married I could stop worrying
and lead my own life. I wanted to believe that, but I was haunted by
my mother's warm smile and her occasional, "You look pale. Are you
all right? Call me the minute you get home. Are you depressed about
something?"
Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of worry? Is
concern for one another handed down like a torch to blaze the trail
of human frailties and the fears of the unknown? Is concern a curse
or is it a virtue that elevates us to the highest form of life?
One of my children became quite irritable recently, saying to
me, "Where were you? I've been calling for 3 days, and no one
answered. I was worried." I smiled a warm smile. The torch has
been passed.
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Epworth UMC in Thaxton, Virginia johnlynnbright@peoplepc.com
=================================================================
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VK
>In the Crosswalk Story Editor:
by Joanne Smarney Joyce Schowalter
Michigan, USA
In 1990 I was working in the downtown area in Flint, Michigan. I was at
the Genesee County Drain Commissioner's Office, very near the county
court buildings. The day was extremely cold and windy, but I decided to
take my morning break outside. I wanted to walk around the building to
clear my head and get a break from the clamor inside. My morning had
been extremely busy and noisy, with phones ringing and everyone in the
office talking at the same time.
Freezing weather always makes the telephones ring at the Drain
Commissioner's Office. Sewer pipes have a perverted sense of humor and
lie in wait for the coldest days. Then they decide to spring leaks and
flood streets with their contents so they can watch us mortals slip,
slide and dent our fenders. The maintenance department people are aware
of this, and they swear that it is indeed an intentional thing on the
part of the pipes.
Lawyers are very common in this part of downtown, coming and going to
the court building. While outside, I saw yet another "up and coming"
young lawyer waiting for the light to change so he could cross the
street. He was probably in his late 20's, clean cut, and impeccably
dressed. His navy-blue designer overcoat must have been fresh from the
cleaners. His two hundred dollar shoes glistened with polish. His
briefcase was also expensive, probably a graduation gift from Mom and
Dad for passing the bar. Soft leather gloves covered his hands.
The light changed and he proceeded to cross the street. More than half
way through, he started to take off his gloves. This puzzled me as it
was very, very cold. Then I saw another man in the crosswalk, obviously
down on his luck, crossing from the other side, walking with metal
crutches. He had no gloves to protect him from the frozen aluminum. The
lawyer paused momentarily in front of the man on crutches and handed him
his fur-lined gloves. They both smiled and kept walking. The whole
exchange lasted no more than two or three seconds.
Yes, the lawyer won my respect, but I also truly admire the man on
crutches. He not only had the good grace to accept something he needed,
but also did so cheerfully. He did not protest or argue with the
generous giver, instead simply smiled, said thanks, and continued on his
way. It is just as important, if not more so, to accept the gifts we're
given graciously as it is to be the giver of gifts.
Whenever I need a lift, I just recall this story. It always cheers me.
=======HeroicStories=======
>-->From Kidwarmers:
^ _...._ ^
.' '. _...._
^ / \' '.
|X / \
-. \ |X | ^
.-. |'.-. .' \ /
\;/ `/\` '. .'
/ \ ( `/\`
/ \ \ ^ `)
^ / \ ) ( ^
/'-...-'\ ( \
/-.__ __.-\ )
jgs '._ ` _.' ^ /
`"""""`
For many parents, a New Year's resolution is to be a better parent. A
key factor in this effort is to look for everyday moments to teach your
child. Every minute of children's waking hours is full of learning
potential as they observe and participate in the world around them.
This openness to new ideas and eagerness to understand the world is one
of the reasons children come up with so many cute comments. They listen
creatively (for example, calling fried eggs "frog's eggs"), look at
things in new ways ("Grandma, your skin doesn't fit!), express emotions
freely ("I love you bigger than the wind!") and ask questions that keep
us on our toes ("Why don't those tornadoes watch where they're
going?"). Our children may think the world revolves around them... and
to a certain extent it does. They are the "stars" of our life! Their
potential to shine brightly is practically limitless -- especially when
parents and grandparents take advantage of "teachable moments." Enjoy
your children.
-- Grace Witwer Housholder
>THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY
_.--"""""-.._
__ .'_ _ '.
/ \ / ` ` `'-. `\
| \/| \_ ___ _ `\ \
\ _..; )` _ `_"--.\ |
;" \ | a/ a (`\ |
| _.; /_. - )/ / -->Another Year
Another year is dawning,
Dear Father let it be,
In working or in waiting,
Another year with thee.
Another year of progress,
Another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness,
The glory of thy face.
Another year of leaning
Upon thy loving breast,
Another year of trusting,
Of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service,
Of witness for thy love,
Another year of training
For holier work above.
Another year is dawning,
Dear Father, let it be,
On earth, or else in heaven,
Another year for thee.
-Frances R. Havergal.
>Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy!
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HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN!
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NEW LIFE IN CHRIST!
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You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy,
good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :)
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